Amidst devastating wildfires in Southern California, the NFL made the difficult decision to relocate the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings playoff game. Originally scheduled for SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, the game was moved to State Farm Stadium in Arizona. The decision, announced on Thursday, gave the teams an extra day to prepare for the Monday game, while emergency personnel battled the ongoing fires.
Commissioner Roger Goodell explained to ESPN that the league prioritized public safety and the needs of those affected by the fires. He acknowledged the immense challenges faced by Los Angeles residents and emphasized the importance of allowing first responders to focus on their crucial work.
Goodell praised the league's collaborative efforts in executing contingency plans, highlighting the Arizona stadium as a suitable alternative location for Rams fans. Impressively, approximately 45,000 Rams fans traveled to Glendale for the game. The Cardinals organization even repainted the field with Rams colors and logo.
The Rams, along with 11 other Los Angeles and Anaheim area teams, demonstrated their commitment to the community by pledging a combined $8 million in donations to wildfire relief efforts. These funds are designated to aid victims and support organizations involved in fighting the fires, including the American Red Cross, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, California Fire Foundation, Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund, World Central Kitchen, California Community Foundation Wildlife Recovery Fund, Team Rubicon, and various local animal rescue groups.
